When writing a function in Microsoft Excel, using A3 or $A$3 can make a big difference in how the function behaves.

A3 refers to the cell in the third row and the first column of the current worksheet. If you copy and paste a formula containing A3 to another cell, the reference will change based on the relative position of the new cell. For example, if you copy a formula containing A3 from cell B3 to cell C4, the reference will change to B4.

On the other hand, $A$3 is an absolute reference to cell A3. When you copy and paste a formula containing $A$3 to another cell, the reference will remain the same. For example, if you copy a formula containing $A$3 from cell B3 to cell C4, the reference will still be $A$3.

In summary, using A3 in a function makes the reference relative to the current cell, while using $A$3 makes the reference absolute. This can be useful when you want to refer to a specific cell or range of cells that should not change when you copy the formula to other cells.

See Excel help on absolute and relative cell references.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

Hi Bassam, here is a simple worked example that I hope will aid your
comprehension.

1. In cell A1 and B1 I have the number 1.

In cell C1 I have:-

=(A1+B1)

This gives a result of 2 in cell C1.

2. In cell A2 and B2 I have the number 2.

In cell C2 I have COPIED the formula from cell C1 to give, in cell C2:-

=(A2+B2)

As you can see the A1 has become A2 and the B1 has become B2.

This is called a RELATIVE cell reference (it has changed automatically as it
has been copied).

The result in cell C2 is 4.

3. Now go back to cell C1 and change the formula to:-

=($A$1+B1)

Notice I have put a $ sign before the A and before the 1.

This means that this cell reference is FIXED (does not change when you copy
it).

The result in cell C1 is 2.

4. Now copy the formula in cell C1 which is:-

=($A$1+B1)

- to cell C2:-

=($A$1+B2)

Notice that the $A$1 does not change (because you FIXED it) but that B1
changes to B2 (because its a RELATIVE reference - it changes when copied).

The result in C2 is now 3 (its adding cell A1 to cell B2).

If my above comments have helped please hit Yes.

Thanks.



"Gord Dibben" wrote:

See Excel help on absolute and relative cell references.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP
.